Understanding American Political Culture and Participation

Political Culture

Shared beliefs, values, and norms in society and that exist across the political spectrum

Liberty

Freedom from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority.

Equality

Equal treatment and rights for all individuals.

Democracy

System of government where the entire population can take part. We have a democratic republic where most citizens have the right to vote

Individualism

Emphasis on personal independence and self-reliance.

Rule of Law

Principle that law applies equally to all. Idea that no one is above the law.

Patriotism

Devotion to and vigorous support for one's country with a willingness to make it better.

Capitalism

Economic system based on private ownership.

Political Efficacy

Belief that one can influence political processes.

Linkage Institutions

Non-governmental institutions that connect citizens to their government, e.g., parties, media.

Winner-take-all

Electoral system where only one candidate wins and where that candidate only needs to win by one vote

Primaries

Elections within the parties (Libertarian, Republican, Democratic, Green) to select the candidates for the General Election.

PACs

Political Action Committees that raise funds for candidates.

Motor-voter law

Law facilitating voter registration at the DMV.

Bias

Prejudice in favor of or against something.

U.S. Core Values

Democracy, liberty, equality, and justice. Most Americans believe in these and political beliefs decide how involved the government should be in promoting them

Liberal

Left of center
Wanting government to:
- Enact change
- Regulate economy
- Bring justice and equality
- Support of minorities
Believe in helping "have-nots"
Balance individual freedoms and governmental influence
Favor taxing rich more than the poor
Tends to be about changing things to be more equitable for everyone
Currently identify as Democrats

Conservative

Favor traditional values and status quo
Importance of history
If change is necessary, prefers slow, deliberate change
Individuals should be mostly accountable for own well-being
Support should come from state and local governments or from private charities
Currently identify as Republicans

Moderates

Persons who do not hold extreme political views, we often call these individuals independents

Ticket-Splitting

Voting with one party for one office and with another party for other offices. It has become the norm in American voting behavior for independents

Political Scandal

The exposure of violations of widely held norms and ideas of proper conduct by those in political office. This can undermine faith in the government. Some examples are: Watergate, Vietnam War, Iran-Contra, and the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars

Political Efficacy

The belief that one's political participation really matters - that one's vote can actually make a difference

Six Factors that Shape Political Attitudes and Participation

o Family
o Education
o Gender
o Race
o Religion
o Geography

Polling

Assessing public opinion by asking people what they think and feel.

George Gallup

Came up with a successful statistical method of survey sampling for measuring public opinion. Founder of the Gallup Poll

Straw Polls

Unscientific surveys used to gauge public opinion on a variety of issues and policies

Push Polls

Polls that are designed to manipulate the opinions of those being polled

Random Sample

A sample that fairly represents a population because each member has an equal chance of inclusion. In polling this means a sample between 1,000 and 1,500 people

Waffling

Failing to make decisions or continuing to change your opinion or stance on a topic

Margin of Error

A measure of the accuracy of a public opinion poll

Political Parties

Organized groups that attempt to influence the government by electing their members to important government offices and issues stances on what the government should be doing

Tasks of the Political Parties

Parties Pick Candidates, Run Campaigns, Cue Voters on how to vote, Articulate Policy, Coordinate Policymaking

Party Platform

A political party's statement of its goals and policies for the next four years. The platform is drafted prior to the party convention by a committee whose members are chosen in rough proportion to each candidate's strength. It is the best formal statement of a party's beliefs.

Platform Planks

Any one of the stated principles or objectives comprising the political platform of a party campaigning for election

Libertarians

Those who favor a minimal government role in any sphere; tend to be more liberal leaning in social issues and more conservative leaning in economic ones

Republicans

Beliefs:
- Stimulating economic growth through
- few government controls
- Protecting constitutionally-guaranteed freedoms
- Maintaining national security
- Gov't provides freedom necessary to pursue citizen goals and protect integrity of country

Democrats

Beliefs:
- Gov't action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all
- Gov't should deal with social ills
- Protect civil liberties and human rights
- International connections are important
- Emphasize importance of gov't working for those who need it

Green Party

Beliefs:
- Gov't action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all
- Gov't should deal with social ills
- Protect civil liberties and human rights
- International connections are important
- Emphasize importance of gov't working for those who need it

General Election

A regular election of candidates for office, this is decided by all voters, not just party voters like what you see in primaries

Mid-Term Election

An election that takes place in the middle of a presidential term

Exploratory Committee

A committee formed to determine the viability of one's candidacy for office; activities may include polling, travel, and other communications relevant to the purpose

Party Conventions

Meetings of party delegates called to nominate candidates for the general election and establish party agendas

Most Likely to Vote

§ Education
§ Age
§ Race
§ Gender

Why has Voting Declined?

§ Registration
§ Absentee voting
§ Number of offices
§ Weekday voting
§ Weak Political Parties

Federalism

A system in which power and responsibility is divided between the national and state governments

Motor-Voter Law

This was a law to encourage more people to participate in voting. This allowed people to register to vote while they renewed their license. The thought was that most people renew their license and thus it would give them a chance to register at the same time.

Interest Groups

Groups of people who work together for similar interests or goals. This is different than political parties because interest group DO NOT run candidates for office, they can only support them with money and votes

Lobbying

Engaging in activities aimed at influencing public officials, especially legislators, and the policies they enact.

Political Action Committees

Committee formed by a special-interest group to raise money for their favorite political candidates

The Media

The various methods of communicating information. For Politics, the media:
- Influences voters and opinions
- Determines the Behaviors of Candidates
- Sets public agenda